MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to put the recent fare increase on hold in light of soaring fuel costs.
“Sa aking palagay, dahil nga eh may problema pa rin tayo dahil sa giyera sa Middle East, sabi ko siguro hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said.
He emphasized that the fare hike will be deferred for now. “Inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan. I-postpone muna natin ‘yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo ng sitwasyon na ito na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuter,” the President added.
Marcos also assured public transport workers that the government will accelerate the release of additional support measures to help them cope with the challenging period.
Fuel prices have been climbing steadily amid Middle East tensions, with the latest increase taking effect this week.
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